Contemporary Art Practice HND
UCAS code 309W
What is special about this course?
An advanced course that develops theoretical, conceptual and practical creative competencies within the area of contemporary art practice.
The HND framework offers students the opportunity to develop freelance, self-employed and professional working skills in the areas of community, public, environmental and site-specific based artwork.
In addition, the course equips students with exhibition and presentation skills and introduces them to the potential of new technologies such as digital media.
Special features
- You will develop practical and transferable skills in contemporary art practice and develop a broad visual language
- You will develop an open-minded, critical and evaluative approach to study, investigation and research
- This course will allow you to develop an understanding of the influence and contribution made by art practice and practitioners within the 20th and 21st centuries
- With this recognised qualification and on successful completion of this course you could have the potential to gain employment in galleries, work with design companies and agencies or as a freelance graphic designer
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 2 Highers at grade C or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade D or above OR
- NC Art and Design
- HNC Contemporary Art Practice may provide direct entry to year 2
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply
- You will be required to submit a portfolio of work and may be asked to attend an interview
- This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
Access routes
- NC Art and Design
- Direct entry to year 2 may be possible with an HNC Contemporary Art Practice
Year 1 - HNC
Year 2 - HND
Mandatory units are:
- Contemporary art practice: project
- Contemporary art: professional practice
- Exhibition of contemporary artform
- Contemporary art practice: graded unit 2
Optional units may include:
- Site specific artwork: development
- Site specific artwork: production
- Mixed media development
- Mixed media production
- Art and design context: personal investigation
- Community arts: visual arts workshop*
- Contemporary art practice: digital media development
- Contemporary art practice: digital media production
- Observational drawing portfolio
- Philosophical aesthetics: an introduction
*If you wish to undertake this unit you will be required to complete a PVG Disclosure Check and become a PVG scheme member.
Option units available may vary depending on study location, for more information contact your chosen campus
How will I study my course?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff. We continue to review government guidance and will inform you of any further changes to the information provided below about your course. You will study the course through our blended learning approach. In semester one, September 2020, the theory elements will be delivered online through a combination of video conference seminars, tutor-supported study and self-directed study using the university's virtual learning environment. You will also have the opportunity to do an online induction at the start of the course. On-campus activities and practical sessions will be introduced in line with the developing Scottish Government public health measures and guidance, including social distancing. We hope to have some practical sessions in semester one, however the majority are likely to be in semester two (from January 2021), where this is not possible alternative options will be available.- Full-time
- Part-time
- You will study by way of face-to-face lectures and tutorials in the classroom, with practical design work in the studio
- Assessment is continuous, with external assessment of the graded unit
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll College UHI
- Inverness College UHI
- Perth College UHI
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Note: The Scottish Government set this fee which has not yet been confirmed for 2021-22 so may be subject to change.
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £6,720 | £6,915 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £448 | £461 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,020 | £7,230 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £468 | £482 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant university partner college for more information.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On successful completion of this course you may choose to seek employment as a:
- Gallery assistant
- Gallery technician
- Sculpture studio technician
- Printmaking technician
- Digital media technician
- Curatorial assistant
- Artist assistant
- Studio assistant
Can I progress into further study?
On completion of this course you may be able to progress to the BA (Hons) Contemporary Art and Contextualised Practice.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Contemporary Art Practice HND
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.